Biological heritage sites

Biological heritage sites are local wildlife sites in Lancashire. They are identified using published guidelines.

BHS Guidelines For Site Selection - October 2024 PDF 6.32 MB

Changes to the list of sites are made by the biological heritage sites review panel. The panel includes ecologists from Lancashire County Council, the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, and Natural England.

Biological heritage sites and planning applications

If you plan to change how you use your land and need to make a planning application, and this could affect a biological heritage site, having information about these sites will help you prepare your plans.

Biological heritage sites and farming

Ordinary farming activities are not affected by the identification of a biological heritage site.

Grant aid and specialist advice are available from different sources to help you look after and improve the nature conservation value of your land. Having a biological heritage site can be a positive factor when applying for agri-environment and other grant schemes.

Rights of access and legal designations

Identifying a Biological Heritage Site does not create any new rights of access. Any existing rights of way are not affected. Some sites may already have other designations, such as a Tree Preservation Order, Limestone Pavement Order, or be within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Any legal implications of these designations remain unchanged.

Further information

Information about Biological Heritage Sites is managed by the Lancashire Environment Record Network (LERN). More details can be found on this site or by contacting the BHS team at BHS@lancashire.gov.uk.